Pedal The Plains headed to La Junta

Friday

Sep 20, 2013 at 5:00 PM

Small-town charm, delicious food and drink and entertaining festivities will intersect with the world of recreational cycling for the 2013 Denver Post Pedal The Plains. The start is in the town of Eads and will continue through Lamar and La Junta in southeastern Colorado. With tiered rides, cyclists from advanced to beginners will find a route that is enjoyable, challenging and loaded with Colorado history.

Small-town charm, delicious food and drink and entertaining festivities will intersect with the world of recreational cycling for the 2013 Denver Post Pedal The Plains. The start is in the town of Eads and will continue through Lamar and La Junta in southeastern Colorado. With tiered rides, cyclists from advanced to beginners will find a route that is enjoyable, challenging and loaded with Colorado history.

With the emphasis on fun, entertainment and education, the 2013 Denver Post Pedal The Plains offers three outstanding options for riders to take in the majestic southeastern Colorado plains:

The 3-Day Tour: The most fun and rowdy ride includes two overnight stays with a "State Fair–like" celebration each night. The 3-day ride takes off on a rolling start after a hearty, country-style breakfast in the town of Eads and riders will make their way to Lamar for their first overnight stay. On Saturday, riders will make their way from Lamar to La Junta for their next overnight on Sept. 21, then will return to Eads from La Junta on Sunday, Sept. 22.

The Century Ride: This 1-day ride is the most challenging of all the rides and takes place on Saturday, Sept. 21; it provides riders the chance to trek from Lamar to La Junta on the Rocky Ford loop and includes a 1,562-foot elevation gain.

The Family Fun Ride: this enjoyable, flat, 6-mile ride allows riders of all abilities to cruise through Eads and the Kiowa County Fairgrounds on Sunday, Sept. 22. Prizes will be awarded for the best costume and most creatively decorated bike. This is a chance to experience the quaint town of Eads and its surrounding landscapes, a true slice of Americana.

"Pedal The Plains is more than a bike ride, it is a journey that all recreational, competitive riders and families can enjoy," said Gov. John Hickenlooper. "For three days, riders will pedal through the beautiful countryside and explore the Eastern Plains. Every day, riders will be greeted by host towns with local history, fun and hospitality including excellent food, drink and entertainment."

On the saddle, riders will have the chance to see countless points of interest including the Santa Fe Trail, Bent's Old Fort, a live wildlife experience from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Fort Lyon Facility. Off the saddle, participants will enjoy fun entertainment such as America's favorite trick pigs the "Top Hogs," farmers markets and more. Live music in each town will include performances by Head for the Hills (Sept. 21 in La Junta), Something Underground (Sept. 22 in Eads) and Grant Farm.